Writing Lab
Writing well is a key to success for any university student. The ASC Writing Lab offers free, one-on-one tutoring to students seeking to assess and strengthen their writing skills.
Our mission is to help students succeed academically, and we strive to teach students essential skills and strategies for becoming critical readers and effective writers. Tutors give students skills they can transfer to most forms of written expression, including outlines, class journal entries, summaries, reflective responses, essays, case studies, book reviews, and research papers.
Tutors provide assistance in all aspects of the writing process (brainstorming, outlining, evaluating,revising, and editing). Writing Lab staff can help students in the proper documentation of sources in APA citation style. We will recommend computerized tutorials available in the adjacent Technology Lab to students seeking to improve specific areas in either reading or writing (or for students who have been referred by faculty for individual skill development.)
In addition, there are numerous handouts that are available for student reference covering several aspects of writing, from grammar and word choice to research and references.
Writing Lab Approach
At the Writing Lab, we promote the Process Writing Approach. The Process Writing Approach acknowledges that writing is a continuous and communicative process; it is a process that includes the discovery and development of ideas, dialogue with peers and tutors, researching information, gathering support, critically evaluating information, synthesizing this information in written form, and revising and editing one’s writing.
To create the best piece of writing possible, an effective writer will produce multiple drafts, making improvements and revisions with each succeeding draft. Tutors can provide feedback and guidance; however, students are ultimately responsible for their own work. Tutors will not write students’ papers, nor will the Writing Lab function as an editing service. Instead, tutors will provide students with strategies for improving their writing or can direct students to other helpful resources. Even talking out ideas with a tutor can help a student to overcome writer’s block and can be an effective tool for focusing on the topic or assignment at hand.
During one-on-one tutorial sessions, students can receive help in any of the following areas of writing:
- Developing ideas (brainstorming, mindmapping, or creating lists)
- Formulating a thesis statement (establishing focus and direction)
- Organizing arguments (outlining or diagramming)
- Understanding written structure (paragraph patterns and transitional words)
- Finding appropriate support (researching for reliable information)
- Citing sources (avoiding plagiarism, and paraphrasing appropriately)
- Revising drafts (evaluating structure, clarity, and flow)
- Editing techniques (attending to grammar, syntax, and punctuation)
- Proofreading (striving to produce error-free work)
How to Make an Appointment
When you enter Building M-8, there is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board on your right. Students may sign up for blocks of time (in one-half hour or one hour increments). You can also phone (858) 635-4439 to make an appointment. It helps to bring your assignment sheet or syllabus with you to your tutoring session. We will gladly work with walk-in students when a tutor does not have a previously scheduled appointment. Please take advantage of the many useful, free services we offer at the ASC and make spending time with us part of your weekly routine.
Writing Lab Staff
ASC Writing Lab Tutoring Hours
Building M-8
Monday 11:00 am - 6:00pm
Tuesday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Wednesday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
(858) 635-4439
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